Conexpo, to be held March 3-7, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the largest construction trade show in North America and sets the equipment industry abuzz every three years around this time.
Details on new product introductions at the show are being held close to the vest by industry OEMs at press time, but what we do know is that the show expects 140,000 attendees to trudge through 2.9 million square feet of exhibits from more than 2,000 exhibitors.
Overall, expect a big focus on technology, including AI and autonomy. Based on what we’ve seen and heard, electrification may take a bit of a snooze, as the novelty has worn off, some public grants have dried up, and even pickup truck makers are pulling back on EV production.
And there is still no real hydrogen infrastructure outside of a few European towns.
Manufacturers holding pre-show events to get a jump on marketing, some as early as January’s World of Concrete, include John Deere, Volvo Construction Equipment, and Caterpillar. Expect a lot of excavators.
Takeuchi said it will be showcasing its newest machine, the TL11-R3 compact track loader, the sixth and largest model in its CTL line. It's the company's first with electric-over-hydraulic controls.
Komatsu has told show host AEM that it will concentrate on some of its newest digital solutions and the latest version of its My Komatsu customer portal.
The new Ground Breakers Stage
Something new confirmed at Conexpo this year is the Ground Breakers Stage, which will feature the industry’s top innovators and visionaries. One of them will be Jahmy Hindman, SVP & CTO with John Deere, highlighted as one of the featured keynote speakers for the influential week.
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“We’re genuinely excited to be part of this first-ever keynote event at Conexpo-Con/Agg,” Hindman said in a statement. “Contractors are out there every day building the roads, bridges, and systems that connect our lives—and they’re facing real challenges, like finding skilled workers.
"At John Deere, we’re committed to helping them tackle those challenges with technology that’s not just smart, but purposeful, and designed to help them get more done more efficiently and more profitably,” Hindman said.
Hindman will be joined by John Deere colleagues Maryanne Graves, manager, product management, as well as Jonny Spendlove, manager, precision construction, on the Ground Breakers Stage on Tuesday, March 3 at 11 a.m., spotlighting the innovation and technological advances propelling the construction industry forward.
“The Ground Breakers Stage is bringing forth the most innovative leaders in our industry who are making strides in autonomous and technological advances and changing the way we work, hire and build,” said Dana Wuesthoff, show director at Conexpo. “John Deere is pioneering conversations that are crucial to our industry, and we’re thrilled for those conversations to converge at the Ground Breakers Stage.”
In addition to John Deere, others featured on the stage will range from the leaders of Fortune 100 companies to successful entrepreneurs.
Those interested in AI will want to hear from Amazon’s AWS director of IoT Services Dave Kranzler.
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Kranzler will take the Ground Breakers Stage on Thursday, March 5 at 10 a.m., spotlighting how advances in AI, automation, and connected technologies are reshaping the construction industry, reducing costs and creating safer, more sustainable job sites.
“We’re thrilled to welcome AWS as a Ground Breakers Stage keynote at this year’s show,” Wuesthoff said. “Digital transformation is changing how the world builds, and we know our attendees will be eager to hear from AWS about the opportunities to reimagine construction efficiency, safety, and sustainability.”
Cat's Operator Challenge returns
Caterpillar will once again build a stadium as part of its 70,000-square-foot exhibit on the far-flung Festival Grounds for its Global Operator Challenge, set for March 4.
Brian Hayden, who is from Maine, and Brock Leclerc, a native of British Columbia, will represent North America in the finals.
Hayden is with Hayden Excavating and Welding and represents Milton Cat. He was crowned Eastern Region semifinal champion. He finished the four events with the lowest point total of 1,313, which is a combination of time and penalties.
Leclerc is with Quattro Constructors and represents Finning Canada. He completed the challenge events with 1,540 points and was named Western Region semifinal champion.
All competitors completed the same four events using Cat equipment and technology. The international finalists have not yet been announced.
Awards and education
The Next Level Awards program is expanding into two new categories for 2026: Equipment and Technology.
The program celebrates companies pushing the boundaries and delivering innovative products, services, and technologies that move the construction industry forward.
After the nomination period that ends December 1, 2025, a panel of industry experts and leaders will select 10 finalists in each category ahead of the event. During the show, attendees will be encouraged to visit all the finalists and vote in each category. Winners will be announced on the keynote stage on Friday, March 6, 2026.
As always, there is a robust education component to the show, with 150 sessions.
Educational tracks include:
· Aggregete
· Asphalt
· Business practices
· Concrete
· Cranes, rigging, and aerial
· Earthmoving and site development
· Emerging technology
· Equipment management and maintenance
· Safety & health
· Shoptalks & walks
· Small business
· Sustainability
· Technology solutions
· Workforce.
There will also be a two-day EmpowerHER workshop, where women in the industry will have an opportunity to network and enjoy peer-led discussions crafted to inspire and educate.
Attendees can learn from industry experts dedicated to creating a more inclusive workforce and maximizing opportunities for women-owned construction businesses, decision makers, and future leaders. Discussions will also focus on how to amplify and support women’s mental and physical health.
About the Author
Frank Raczon
Raczon’s writing career spans nearly 25 years, including magazine publishing and public relations work with some of the industry’s major equipment manufacturers. He has won numerous awards in his career, including nods from the Construction Writers Association, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, and BtoB magazine. He is responsible for the magazine's Buying Files.